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Andaman And Nicobar Islands

Nicobar Tribal Dance

Hiding In Nature

Whenever we think of Music and dance of a country or a state, through them we wish to see the true culture that has been prevailing for centuries. The case is no different in Andaman and Nicobar either. Tourists want to witness the dance or music performances of Andaman and Nicobar to get a hang of age-old tribal culture thriving here even before the recorded history. The dances depict the social life of these tribes. And music generally accompany these dances.

Dances of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar is home to many indigenous tribes and tribes that settled here from other parts of the world. Thus Andaman and Nicobar has an amalgamation of different cultures. And dances of these tribes represent the distinctness in cultures. Nicobari dance is one the most important and oldest traditional dances of Andaman & Nicobar. It is practiced by the Nicobari tribe, who live in the Car Nicobar Island. One can witness the Nicobari dance during the Ossuary Feast, which is more commonly known as the Pig Festival. his dance is a way of showing one's respect to the departed head of the family. It is generally performed during the full moon, under the swinging palm trees. The dancers wearing coconut leaves, sway to the rhythm of traditional songs sung by the leader.

One can witness many other dance forms in Andaman and Nicobar while visiting these tribes. Some folk dances can also be seen during the Island Tourism festival that puts on display, the full range of cultural activities.

Music of Andaman and Nicobar

It is in Andaman group of islands that the music is more prominent and important. The Andamanese are highly fond of their own music, but do not care or pay attention to other styles; thus preserving the originality of their music. Even among the different tribes of Andaman, the rhythm and styles differ drastically. As for musical capabilities, Onge tribe seems to be the most complex and developed of all. They sing generally to accompany a dance. Both male and female participate in singing. Not much may be known about the music and dances of tribes of Andaman and Nicobar. But whatever is visible to tourists is truly something special and seems straight out of a pre historic novel.